Bedwas RFC 51 Tata Steel RFC 0.
WRU Admiral Championship, Saturday 20 May 2023.
Match report and photography by Ian Lovell.
Bedwas completed their 2022-23 season with a nine try romp over Tata Steel who also completed their season with a victory in 26 games. However, the Port Talbot club should be congratulated for completing their season against the odds of losing much of their squad to other clubs at the start of the season.
On a warm but breezy afternoon Bedwas started quickly and a line-out stolen from a Tata throw in saw quick hands across the field for Aaron Billingham to cross for a try with three minutes played. James Dixon added the conversion.
Bedwas were intent on increasing the lead, but chances went begging due to mistakes but following a line out hooker Evan Wood dived through for his first try in senior rugby. Dixon’s conversion missed the target.
Again, Bedwas were guilty of trying to force things as errors were made but with half time approaching Aaron Billingham added his second try in the corner, Dixon succeeded in converting to put Bedwas nineteen points ahead.
Just before half time Bedwas were reduced to fourteen men as Craig Hudd was yellow carded for what the referee deemed to be a high tackle, but most of the home supporters felt it perfectly legal.
Bedwas ran in the fourth and bonus point winning try within a minute of the start of the second half. The Tata kick-off was caught by Will Fishlock who made good ground before the ball was spread to winger Ieaun-Rhys Beal to score his first Bedwas try. Dixon’s conversion went wide.
Bedwas increased their lead eight minutes later; a break from deep by Dafydd Thomas put in the supporting Sam George for a try converted by Dixon.
Bedwas were in no mood to relax and shortly afterwards club captain Dale Rogers squeezed in at the right-hand corner for an unconverted try followed by a second try of the day from Evan Wood which also went unconverted.
Bedwas replaced a few tired legs with fresh legs and try as they might Tata could not break the Bedwas defence.
Prop Ryan Thomas crashed through the visitor’s defence for his first and Bedwas’s seventh try of the game with ten minutes to play. Replacement Sam Davies took on kicking duties by his conversion went wide.
Bedwas completed the rout on the last play of the game as Evan Wood completed his hat-trick of tries in only his second game of senior rugby. The conversion attempt went wide.
Man of the match sponsored by Casa Mia restaurant of Caerphilly was awarded to Evan Wood.
Pictures from today’s game can be found at: www.flickr.com/photos/bedwasrfc/albums